Manchester United were in hot pursuit of Douglas Costa but Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri refused to sell him this summer, according to the intermediary who brought the player to Italy.

Brazilian winger Costa suffered from injury problems last season, limiting the amount of game time he received, and United looked to take advantage of this as they went in search of star names to bolster their attack.

However, Sarri - who moved to Turin this summer from Chelsea after replacing former boss Massimiliano Allegri - blocked any potential move.

Douglas Costa has enjoyed a fine start to life under new Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri

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Giovanni Branchini exclusively told Sportsmail: 'I sincerely say that Allegri and Sarri have never thought of letting him go.

'The interest of Manchester United was strong, a club that has always been interested in the Brazilian.

'It was not the only club but in England it was certainly the most active team on the trail of Douglas Costa.'

Costa has put any injury concerns behind him now and has started brilliantly under Sarri in Serie A as Juventus go on the hunt for their ninth consecutive league title.

Premier League outfit Manchester United had been in hot pursuit of the Brazilian winger

The 28-year-old has provided two assists for his team-mates in as many Serie A games as Juventus have enjoyed the perfect start to their title defence.

And the player's intermediary claims Costa is more determined to kick on and make a huge name for himself in Turin.

Branchini said: 'Douglas has had countless health problems. Last season he was very often injured. He is wanting to recover with great professionalism after standing still.

'Juventus never intended to sell him despite the big pressure from United.'

Sarri, who became Juventus boss after leaving Chelsea, blocked Costa's transfer to United

And when questioned about Sarri's impact on Costa's performances, Branchini claimed his player is able to adapt to anything thrown at him.

The intermediary added: 'Douglas is a "cool" professional in the best sense of the word. He is able to adapt to everything. Just think of how well he did in Ukraine, in a country totally different from Brazil.

'He loves Juventus but is able to adapt to every reality. Premier League is a beautiful championship but for now United have failed in all their attempts to convince Juventus to sell him. The player remained in Turin and is a champion.'